On the evening of Jan. 10, Venus will reach its greatest eastern elongation — its easternmost distance from the sun. This is one of the best times of the year for Venus viewing. Catch the planet just below Saturn in the southwest sky after sunset; it will set beneath the western horizon around 9:30 p.m., according to stargazing site Stellarium.

Worlds will align for a "planetary parade" in January, with four bright and easily visible to the naked eye. But an even better view arrives in February and March. Here's what you need to know.

Stargazers will get a peek at what's been called a "parade of planets," when up to seven planets may appear to line up.